Kick Off: USMNT humbled, Sounders dumped out of Open Cup, Chelís out at Chivas USA

The US national team was holding its own at halftime in Cleveland last night, then the wheels fell off. What was a 1-1 deadlock at the half became a 4-2 final score, as Belgium’s mix of athleticism and skill proved too much for the USA’s backline. Christian Beneteke scored twice, while Marouane Felliani and Romelu Lukaku scored one each, with a Geoff Cameron header and Clint Dempsey penalty making the score more respectable.

2. KLINSMANN: “I’D RATHER PLAY BEGLIUM 10 TIMES THAN EL SALVADOR 100 TIMES”

As the US dug themselves a huge hole to climb out of, was it a case of Klinsmann’s team really being that bad? Or were Belgium just really good? Either way, defensive errors cost the US, which is reflected in these ratings. Tim Howard is the only player to come out of this with any credit. Do you agree?

Chelís leaving is huge news, after Chivas USA put so much faith in his policies and tactics. But the Mexican manager had a 3-7-2 record as USA Today points out, with the team saying Sánchez Solá had "not always followed the patterns of respect and conduct implemented by Major League Soccer, as well as by Chivas USA." Meanwhile, Soccer America takes a look at Chelís' brash nature. The Mexican coach once said "I'm paying for my excess of stupidity." Boy, the media will miss his remarks.

Bruce Arena didn’t show up to coach LA against the Carolina RailHawks on Wednesday … and neither did his team. Carolina defeated LA 2-0, to knock the reigning MLS Cup champs out of the Open Cup for the second season in a row. While the Portland Timbers shone, with Frédéric Piquionne scoring four times in the first half in a 5-1 win over Wilmington. And Mike Magee scored on his debut for Chicago in their 2-0 win over the Charlotte Eagles.

Chivas USA may not be having a good time of things right now, but their youth products are certainly shinning brightly. Marky Delgado captained the US U-18 team to second place in the Lisbon International Tournament, chipping in with a goal and putting in some great displays. While in the Toulon Tournament, Julio Morales scored the opening goal for El Tri as they defeated Nigeria 2-0.

12. USMNT TO PLAY BOSNIA IN FRIENDLY THIS AUGUST?

According to this report from Bosnia, Jurgen Klinsmann and his troops will head over to Europe once more, this time to play Bosnia and Herzegovina. This will give the US a game in between the Gold Cup and the two crucial Word Cup qualifiers with Costa Rica and Mexico.